Hydrogenics Corporation announced that the Company has received a contract from Statue Cruises, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events for the delivery of two HyPM HD 16 fuel cell power modules delivering up to 33 kilowatts of continuous power. The 600 passenger Hornblower Hybrid will be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells in a compound hybrid arrangement along with wind turbines, solar panels and a tier 2 diesel engine for additional energy needs.

The marine market is well-poised to benefit from fuel cells from both an environmental and efficiency viewpoint. When in harbour, vessels typically utilize diesel powered main engines or auxiliary power units emitting large amounts of emissions and noise into the environment. Fuel cells emit no emissions and comparatively little noise making them an ideal solution for high profile marine applications. In the case of fleets which return to a common port or base, the economic justification for hydrogen fueling stations can be compelling.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day,” says Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises and Hornblower Cruises & Events. “We expect this pioneering project to inspire continued industry innovations. The technology on the Hornblower Hybrid is now scalable for other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs,” added MacRae.